Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Alexander Fomin, met with Myanmar’s junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who seized power in a military coup that triggered protests and condemnation worldwide.
The two met in the capital Naypyidaw on Friday, a day ahead of the Myanmar’s Armed Forces Day parade.
Fomin said that Myanmar was a strategic partner and reliable ally of Russia in Asia,.
Fomin was seen shaking hand with the senior general, who has been slammed by countries for killing hundreds of civilian protesters, as well as innocent children.
Fomin also received a medal and a ceremonial sword from Min Aung Hlaing, before the Russian thanked the “distinguished” senior general for taking part in Russia’s parade to commemorate the 75th anniversary of victory in the “Great Patriotic War” (World War 2).
The US, Britain, Australia and the EU have all imposed sanctions on the ruling military council in Myanmar.
Russia and Myanmar have grown closer in recent years, with Moscow providing army training and university scholarships, as well as selling arms to Myanmar’s military (who has been blacklisted by severeal wester countries for alleged atrocities and killings against civilians).
Images source: @drkokonyein and @cvdom2021 on Twitter